He’d never expected he’d need to use it, but at that moment he thanked his grandpa's spirit.
“Sheriff?” someone called. “The ambulance for the one who survived is on the way. Also….”
“What?” the sheriff growled. The man flinched and pointed out of the front window.
“Shitfire and save matches. See if you can stall her until I can get out there.”
“You’re going to owe me something fierce, sheriff.”
“Just get out there and keep her outside.” He shook his head. “I told him not to get shot.”
“That’s my fault, sir.” It was. No matter what anyone said, he might have killed Colton. “I’m sorry.” All the tears he’d tried tohold back came out at once. The sheriff came toward him, and Zach waved him off. “I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” In a move that shocked Zach, the sheriff sat on the stair and put his arm around him. “If this is anyone’s fault, it’s mine. Something Colton’s momma is going to hit me over the head with until my ears bleed. He’s a sheriff’s deputy following orders. You saved his life despite him telling you to stay put.”
That was the last thing he should have done. Not just when Colton asked him, but from the start. “I should’ve left when Mr. Lee told me I had money.”
“As nice as that sounds, Zach, I didn’t give you permission to leave.” He turned his head and didn’t say anything. Finally, Zach glanced over. “You weren’t a prisoner, but I needed you to stay. I’m old, but I’m not blind. My nephew has never taken to someone the way he did to you. Colton’s had a rough go after his no-good, worthless daddy tried to rob a bank and killed the guard. Despite that, he’s about the finest man I know his age. He wouldn’t have let you go knowing they were after you. It isn’t in his DNA. You didn’t get him shot; that was him choosing his job and his duty over himself. You hear me?”
Zach still blamed himself. If he hadn’t chosen Colton to help him, this wouldn’t have happened. He’d be dead or worse, but Colton wouldn't have gotten shot. “Yes, sir.”
“We’ll talk more later, but I see them wheels turning.” He rotated a finger around Zach’s temple. “You’re smart, son, so hear me. This badge isn’t just a shiny bit of metal we wear to impress folks. It stands for something. We serve and protect. Those are fancy words that people sometimes think don’t mean much, but to us it means everything. Colton was going to protect you just like he would anyone else. Yes, he has feelings for you, but that isn’t the only reason. Remember that when you want to blame yourself.” Ted sighed. “Now, I gotta go calm my sister andlisten to her blame me for getting her baby shot.” He patted Zach on the back and stood. “You get yourself together so we can go see him in the hospital, you hear?”
He got it. Colton didn’t need hysteria. Colton was going to need him to be solid as a rock, even if he didn’t want to be. “I do. I understand.”
He had to put on his big-boy pants and get with the goddamn program. Colton was going to be fine. He was a hero. A stud.
His stud.
When this was all over, Zach was going to start fresh,
And he intended to do it with Colton.
